Certificate Awarding Ceremoney for QS Training Held

Certificates were awarded to participants who successfully completed the Quantity Surveying Training course, carried out by CHOCO from 7^th October to 30^th October 2010. A total of 17 students sat for the examination and passed and received the certificates. Quantity Surveying Training was joined by 34 students when it commenced.

The certificate ceremony was held in Zone 7 stadium, on 5 November 2010, at 9pm.

Certificates were handed by Deputy State Minister of Upper South Province, Mohamed Shareef, and G.Dh. Atoll Councilor, Mohamed Hassan Didi. The certificate ceremony was attended by nobles of G.Dh. Thinadhoo, including the Island Councilor and Assistant Director of Thinadhoo Campus of Maldives College of Higher Education. 

Speaking at the ceremony Deputy State Minister, Mohamed Shareef, highlighted the importance of the course to Thinadhoo and thanked CHOCO for organizing such a program. He emphasized on the role of NGOs in the society.

Chairperson of CHOCO highlighted the difficulties faced by CHOCO in carrying out the program and outlined the future capacity building programs for the island and the NGO. Course coordinator, Mohamed Nisham, spoke about the importance and use of the course for the participants and reinforced the funding difficulties faced by the NGO. Arif Hussain spoke on behalf of the participants and emphasized on the importance of the program and thanked CHOCO for providing the opportunity. 

The Quantity Surveying Training was originally funded by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The program was contracted in September 2009, but advance funding for the program, which 30% of the total, was received by CHOCO on 15^th July 2010. Since TVET has terminated the contract, citing that the funding project under which the program was financed has expired. Despite being relieved from the contract, CHOCO carried out the course, funded by the 30% advance money and own finance. It is deeply saddening that TVET enters into contracts beyond their capability and hinders on plans and efforts of NGOs to serve their community.